Denh Lay Photography

Mother’s Day is only 8 days away and my Mother’s Day vouchers are selling fast! I’ve sold them to dads for mums, mums for mums and … uncles for nephews :) Yes, strange but true :)

Give your mum or yourself something memorable this Mother’s Day.

Order early to allow enough time for delivery!

My goodness, where has the year gone?! It’s been a massive one, starting with the decision to embark on a new career that would enable a more flexible lifestyle and time with the kids. Best decision I’ve ever made! :) I’ve had so much fun learning about my craft and the business, I can hardly believe the year is almost over!

If you are interested in portraits with me, here’s some special offers just in time time for Christmas! Spots are very limited so please call early to book in your session and give us plenty of time to organise that amazing Christmas gift for you and your family! If gift vouchers are more your thing, we offer them too, beautifully wrapped all ready for Christmas! :)

Client and Christmas Specials

Past Client Products Special – As a thank you to my past clients, I am offering a 10% savings off any product created from a past session. All orders, except books and albums, must be confirmed by 30th Nov 2012 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Book/album orders need to be in by 10th Nov.

Client Referral Special – If you are an existing or past client and have been happy with your experience, why not refer a friend or family? Anyone you refer is welcome to a photography session plus (1) 8″x12″ print for $100, a saving of $120. In addition you will also receive an 8″x12″ matted gift print from your past session for your kind referral. Offer valid until 30th Nov 2012. Sessions can occur after but must be booked and paid in full by 30th Nov.

Christmas Package Special – Includes photography session, (1) 20″x30″ Art Canvas, (2) 5″x7″ Ready to frame matted gift prints, 25 custom designed christmas cards on art paper with your favourite image. Total $620, saving of $130. Orders must be confirmed by 30th Nov 2012 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Bookings and enquiries:

0413 703 150 or denh@denhlay.com

My recent 4yo’s birthday party has made me a wee nostalgic. It’s unbelievable that 4 years ago, she was born into this world and created a pair of nervous parents out of my husband and I. Her labour was a marathon 36hours that ended in an emergency cesarean. I remember the beginning and end like it was yesterday. It’s not the pain that endures but the memory of our anxiety and the overwhelming relief.

Up until earlier this year, I thought I lived a typical after birth response. I mean, who wants to be visited by family immediately after the birth of their first child? Who isn’t so nervous and worried that they tell their friends not to visit for weeks? Who isn’t ridden with anxiety every time their baby cries for the first few months? … Oh, not everyone?? It was only after seeing how well so many of my friends embraced and recovered from their first born experiences that I realised I had probably been experiencing a little more than the ‘baby blues’. I realised with much clarity this year what I’ve avoided talking about for years. It’s been liberating and made me wish there was more practical help and open discussion for mums in need.

In June this year, I came across Support for Mums, “a not-for-profit organisation that assists mums and their families through circumstantial crisis. Circumstantial crisis may include high risk/difficult pregnancy, an unwell baby or child, unwell immediate family member, perinatal depression or any crisis that inhibits a family carry out day-to-day tasks.” Just as important though, “they provide information and referral, practical assistance and or funding to ensure practical tasks are carried out relieving pressure on the family. Information provided may include referral to appropriate services, information on government initiatives. Services may include referral and or payment of cleaners, babysitters, cooks, taxis or gardeners.”

And what I love most about their mission? … “Support for mums is dedicated and passionate about reducing stigma associated with mums and families accepting and receiving support when needed the most.”

Last week, a national fundraiser was launched to get them off the ground, literally. Titled Mother Jumpers, the event will see mums jumping out of planes on the 25th November to raise funds to support this much needed organisation. You can follow their progress on Facebook.

So apart from sponsoring the event, I am now also a registered Mother Jumper :) If my story resonates, if you know of any mums who would benefit, or if you simply want to see me jump out of a plane :), PLEASE support me and support the cause with a kind donation.

www.mycause.com.au/MotherJumperDenhLay

I love taking photos of my kids on my DSLRs for the creative control they provide but when we’re out and about, my best camera is usually my mobile phone. After all, I do believe that great imagery is more often about the moment, the light and not necessarily the gear. So, if you’re a prolific mobile phone snapper and want to improve your photos of your kids, you’ll love my top 5 tips for great mobile photography :) …. (and don’t miss the super short 30sec slideshow at the end too!).

1/ Look for interesting objects to frame your child

I love photographing in playgrounds because they’re full of great props that could be used to frame your child! Whether I’m using a DSLR or mobile phone, I try to fill the screen with the ‘frame’ which helps draw attention to the face. Just make sure your phone is ready when they ‘pop’ into the frame ;)

2/ Get in close 

Don’t be afraid to get in close and fill the screen.

As mobile phones are much smaller than a camera, they’re not nearly as daunting as a DSLR or compact camera can be.

If you want them to look straight into the camera like this big eyes bubba :), make sure you duck behind the phone.

3/ Avoid dark shadows across faces

Great photos require patience, great photos with kids, require even more! :) The problem with taking mobile phone snaps wherever and whenever is that the light might not always be ideal. You just have to make the most of what you’ve got. For example, play equipment tend to cast a lot of awkward shadows so be patient and wait. Yes wait :) … and encourage them out into the light.

4/ Photograph kids at their level

Bend those knees and use your phone at their level.

Kids love sharing their secret worlds and are more relaxed when you’re not looking down on them.

5/ Include yourself!

Finally, do yourself a favour and make sure to occasionally include yourself in your photos. Mums (and dads) are always out there snapping away then find they’re nowhere in their family album! Nothing more convenient than either handing your mobile to someone or turning it on yourself and your children. Much easier to do than with a DSLR or a compact. Don’t be shy, give it a go ;)  Here’s some of me vying for the camera ;) … and yes, there’s a pool shot in there. I take my mobile everywhere I can’t take my DSLR!

With mobile phones, I should also make mention the fantastic downloadable Apps like Hipstamatic and Instamatic which can give your mobile phone photos a totally different and more artistic look. Check them out and have some real fun!

Here’s a SUPER SHORT 30SEC SLIDE SHOW of some photos I’ve taken with some funky iPhone Apps…

Make your own slide show at Animoto.

Yesterday I chose to attend a business workshop over taking care of my kids who have colds. A teary drop off with the 3yo was heart wrenching :( It took an hour into the workshop before I could focus and the guilt lingered all day. This is the guilt we mums feel every time we do something for ourselves, whether it’s a business endeavour, a personal goal, or a hot cuppa!

For Mother’s Day, I’d like to reward a fellow mum. I’m looking for someone special, someone amazing, someone who’s made real sacrifices, someone who puts others before her every day! Basically, any mum :) In my eyes ALL mums qualify!!!

As most of you know, I specialise in family portraits but I really want this to be about mums. This isn’t about vanity or beauty but about celebrating the woman you have become with the responsibilities and love of motherhood.

So, the reward I’m giving away includes………..

* A portrait session all about you

* A gorgeous makeover with hair and makeup

* A beautiful handmade folio box of (5) 5″x7″ prints

* A classic 10″x10″ handmade desk mount with 3 prints

* A digital collection of 5 of your favourite images

TOTAL VALUE  $1445

Excited???!! :) I am!! To enter.……

* Comment on my Denh Lay Photography Facebook Page under the Mother’s Day Giveaway post or on my wall with “I’m worth it!”

* ‘Like’ my Facebook Page (not just the post) if you haven’t already.

AND THAT’S IT!!

* Share the post with your friends and you score another entry! :)

* If your friends enter as well you get, YES, another entry!  (Just ask them to mention you in their comment)

* If this is not for you, why not share it anyway? I’m sure you know a deserving mum or two :)

 Entries Close: Midnight 13th May, 2012

The winner entry will be chosen using www.random.org

Can’t wait to draw the winner and capture some memorable images for one of you gorgeous mums! x

Conditions Apply

# Session will be in Croydon though travel within 40km will be considered 

# Session must take place within 6mths

# Not redeemable for cash

Easter is less than 2 weeks away and I’m looking forward to a weekend of Easter egg hunting! Yes it’s for the kids but there’s no reason we can’t join in the fun ;) … and take the opportunity to capture their funny expressions and little adventures. Whether your prized camera is a digital SLR or a mobile phone, here are 7 simple tips that will help you capture your special moments. Be sure to give it a go as they may come in handy in my exciting Mother’s Day Giveaway ;) Details to be posted next week!

1/ Prepare your gear

Whether you’re using a phone, compact or DSLR, make sure they’re charged and empty your cards so you don’t run out of space mid hunt! If you love phone camera applications like Hipstamatic or Instagram then ensure they’re at easy reach. eg. If you have an iPhone, move the application to the first screen on your phone to save scrolling time.

2/ Guide the hunt

Use paper footprints on the ground to guide the kids through part or all of the hunt. Not only will the kids love walking in bunny’s foot prints but it means you won’t be chasing them around in every direction to get the photos. Yes, it sounds orderly :) but the kids will still love the hunt and you can worry less about your stamina and more about your photos.

3/ Put them in the light

Hide eggs in well lit places or you could end up with a lot of dark and blurry photos as your phone/camera struggles to focus in low light. If hunting indoors and your home is dark, then open all the curtains and turn on the lights (even if day time) to let in as much light as possible.

4/ Create opportunity for different angles and poses

Is your Easter album going to be filled with kids squatting down for eggs hidden in the grass? Mine were until I discovered that Easter bunny gets in all sorts of places! ;) Create variety in your photos by making them search high and low! :) Try photographing from various perspectives yourself to get a different view of the action.

5/ Use some props for extra cuteness

Kids love dressing up so why not put on rabbit ears or noses to help them find their inner bunny. Making them can be a whole lot of fun on their own :) Baskets and buckets are fabulous props to help little hands from overflowing. Check out Martha Stewart Living for some great Easter craft ideas including a pair of cute felt bunny ears.

6/ Get in close & fill the frame

Don’t be afraid to get in close and fill the frame. You don’t need to see every shrub in the yard or furniture in the room. Unnecessary detail will only detract from your gorgeous subjects.

7/ Treat yourself!

Most importantly, save yourself some choccies too because as we all know, happy photographer equals happy photos! :)

Happy hunting this Easter! x

So our New Years didn’t quite go as planned. My husband and I spent NYE coughing to the joyful sound of fireworks and neighbouring parties. Well, at least we were together … and in the end, that is what it’s all about. Another year of family bliss we wish for you and your loved ones.

Looking forward to a year of inspiring images and joyful memories.

It’s just under 5 weeks till Christmas and because my 3yo is already talking the Santa talk, I’m feeling rather festive :) So, I’m offering my next 5 bookings 50% off their portrait session plus 5% off their total purchases. Just in time for Christmas cards! I’ll even extend the 5% discount to Christmas card orders using images from previous shoots. Told you I was feeling festive ;)

Note: Christmas card orders must be placed by 14th Dec for delivery by Christmas.

I love this image of my little Evie. I call it ‘In her eyes’ :)

Exciting news! Just launched my brand new portfolio website. To check out the breadth of what I do, click on ‘Portfolio‘ on the menu or go to http://www.denhlay.com

To celebrate, I’m offering the first 10 people to send me an email via the new website a complimentary portrait session and (1) 8″x10″ enlargement, a saving of over $170.